Edgar Wright set to direct Johnny Depp in The Night Stalker

SHAUN OF THE DEAD helmer Edgar Wright has been chosen by Disney to shepherd a big-screen version of THE NIGHT STALKER. Inspired by the 70s TV movies and series, THE NIGHT STALKER will feature Johnny Depp as quirky paranormal investigator Carl Kolchak.

In case you're unfamiliar with the character (shame on you!), Kolchak (played originally by the great Darren McGavin) was a rumpled beat reporter who investigated strange supernatural cases, going up against vampires, aliens, and everything in between. Predating "The X-Files" by 20 years, the show is still an inspiration to countless "monster of the week" imitators.

Though no screenwriter is on board yet, it's understood that Wright and Depp will be instrumental in molding the THE NIGHT STALKER. (One can probably assume that Wright will ultimately be one of the screenwriters.) And, as this is set to be a big Disney tentpole, a PG-13 is in the offing.

I'm fairly confidant two clever blokes like Wright and Depp will know how to handle the material in a way that's scary and fun, so this is one "remake" I can actually get behind. How about you?